From London To Ibadan: Biker Receives Warm Reception After Travelling Through 13 Countries (PHOTOS)
It was a historic homecoming for an Ambassador of the Universal Peace Federation and indigene of Ibadan, Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi, who returned to the ancient city after completing a remarkable motorcycle expedition from London, United Kingdom, to Nigeria.
Captain Okedeyi was received by the Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman, Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Oluwakayode Banjo reports that it was a colourful reception from the Ibadan Toll Gate to the Olubadan Palace.
Travelling through 13 countries, Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi rode from London in the United Kingdom through France, Spain, Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and the Republic of Benin before arriving in Lagos on Tuesday.
He subsequently proceeded to his hometown, Ibadan, where fellow motorcyclists accorded him a warm welcome at the Ibadan Toll Gate before accompanying him in a convoy to the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo.
At a brief ceremony, the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, commended Captain Okedeyi for the remarkable feat, describing the expedition as one that had further projected the rich heritage and global identity of Ibadan.
The monarch recalled his days at Ibadan Boys High School and the exploits of renowned Nigerian traveller, Olabisi Ajala, whose motorcycle journeys across Asia, Africa and Oceania captured international attention between 1957 and 1963, noting that Captain Okedeyi had rekindled that spirit of courage, adventure and patriotism.
In his remarks, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, described Captain Okedeyi as a worthy ambassador of Ibadanland whose accomplishment had brought pride and honour to the city.
Speaking on the expedition, Captain Okedeyi said the 25-day journey, covering more than 12,000 kilometres, was marked by both smooth and challenging moments.
He explained that the expedition formed part of a global campaign to raise awareness about polio and mobilise support for its eradication.
Captain Okedeyi added that the initiative was undertaken in collaboration with several national and international organisations, including Rotary International, of which he is a member.
Also speaking, the Project Coordinator, Rotarian Tolu Daramola, said modern tracking technology was deployed throughout the expedition, enabling the team to monitor Captain Okedeyi’s progress from London to Nigeria.
Highlights of the homecoming included a donation of £1,000 by the Olubadan to support the fundraising campaign, as well as a grand reception organised by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, in honour of Captain Olatunji Emmanuel Okedeyi.
